Q: 69 year male is admitted to ICU with COPD exacerbation. Patient developed Pseudomonas aeruginosa in his sputum. What is the clinical significance? 


Answer:  Hospitalized patients with COPD exacerbation who grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa in their sputum have a higher risk of mortality at 3 years independent of other factors.


 Reference: 

 Almagro P, Salvadó M, Garcia-Vidal C, et al. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and mortality after hospital admission for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiration 2012; 84:36.